Part 10/13:
The Philippines is characterized by rapid urbanization, turning open spaces into concrete jungles that impair natural drainage. Metro Manila, one of the densest cities worldwide, experiences sinking land—more than 10 cm annually in some areas—due to groundwater extraction and geological subsidence. Many low-lying coastal communities are now below sea level, making them increasingly susceptible to floods and storm surges.
Poor urban planning exacerbates the crisis. Settlements along riverbanks and creeks diminish natural flood buffers, while illegal constructions and inadequate waste management clog drainage systems. This urban sprawl, combined with climate change-induced heavy rains, results in frequent inundations.